My dearest creator,
There are some projects that are more than just yarn and hook; they are vessels for our affection, tangible pieces of our heart given form. Today, we embark on such a creation. The Spectacle Caddy Sweethearts are not merely a clever place to rest your glasses. They are a celebration of the faces we love, a whimsical nod to the figures who shape our lives. They are functional art, infused with the warmth of a smile and the love of a maker's hands. Let's begin.
🎨 The Genesis of a Masterpiece: A Virtuoso's Vision
The inspiration for this project came from a desire to blend charm with utility. Why should something as practical as an eyeglasses tray be plain? This pattern transforms it into a character, a small sentinel for your nightstand or desk that guards your spectacles with a cheerful grin. Each stitch is an act of character-building, creating a small friend that brings a touch of handcrafted joy to the everyday.
✨ The Virtuoso's Toolkit: Techniques for a Lifetime
This project is a delightful study in form and texture. You will master the art of creating a perfectly flat oval, a fundamental shape for countless future projects. We will also employ basic amigurumi techniques for the facial features and the wonderfully textured bobble stitch to create the grandmother's charming hair.
🧶 The Alchemist's Trove: Materials & Tools
- Yarn: Worsted weight (Category 4) yarn. I recommend a sturdy cotton for a firm tray.
- Color A: Cream (for face)
- Color B: Rosy Pink (for nose and cheeks)
- Color C: Soft White (for hair)
- Crochet Hook: 3.5mm (E-4) or size appropriate for your yarn.
- Safety Eyes: 8mm pair (one pair per caddy).
- Embroidery Floss: Black or dark brown for the smile.
- Other Essentials: Tapestry needle, scissors, stitch markers, and a small amount of fiberfill for the nose and ears.
💡 The Language of the Craft: Stitches & Abbreviations
All terms are in US crochet terminology.
- mr: magic ring
- ch: chain
- sl st: slip stitch
- sc: single crochet
- inc: increase (2 sc in the same stitch)
- dec: decrease (sc 2 stitches together)
- hdc: half double crochet
- dc: double crochet
- [...] x: repeat instructions in brackets x times
- (...): total number of stitches in the round
Special Stitch - 5-DC Bobble (bo): Yarn over, insert hook in stitch, yarn over and pull up a loop, yarn over, pull through 2 loops. [You have 2 loops on hook]. Repeat this process 4 more times in the same stitch until you have 6 loops on your hook. Yarn over and pull through all 6 loops.
💡 The Artisan's Advisor: Pro Tips & FAQs
The complete master blueprint begins below.
Toothless Dragon Crochet Pattern (PDF)eBook – Easy & Adorable!
Bring the beloved dragon from 'How to Train Your Dragon' to life with this easy-to-follow, adorable crochet pattern!
🎁 Wilbert the Whimsical Mushroom Pattern Included FREE!
Craft Your Dragon Now!
📖 The Master Blueprint: The Complete Spectacle Caddy Sweethearts Pattern
Base (Make 2, one for each caddy, in Color A)
Start: Ch 17.
Rnd 1: Starting in 2nd ch from hook, inc, sc 14, 4 sc in last ch. Working along the other side of the chain: sc 14, inc in last ch (which was the first ch). (36)
Rnd 2: [inc] x 2, sc 14, [inc] x 4, sc 14, [inc] x 2. (44)
Rnd 3: [sc 1, inc] x 2, sc 14, [sc 1, inc] x 4, sc 14, [sc 1, inc] x 2. (52)
Rnd 4: [sc 2, inc] x 2, sc 14, [sc 2, inc] x 4, sc 14, [sc 2, inc] x 2. (60)
Rnd 5: sc around in back loops only. (60)
Rnd 6-8: sc around in both loops. (60 for 3 rounds)
Fasten off and weave in ends.
Nose (Make 2 in Color B)
Rnd 1: 6 sc in mr. (6)
Rnd 2: [inc] x 6. (12)
Rnd 3: [sc 1, inc] x 6. (18)
Rnd 4-5: sc around. (18 for 2 rounds)
Rnd 6: [sc 1, dec] x 6. (12)
Stuff firmly. Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing.
Ears (Make 4 in Color A)
Rnd 1: 6 sc in mr. (6)
Rnd 2: [inc] x 6. (12)
Rnd 3-4: sc around. (12 for 2 rounds)
Stuff lightly. Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing.
Grandma's Hair (Make 1 in Color C)
Row 1: Ch 11. Starting in 2nd ch from hook, [sc, bo] x 5. Ch 1, turn. (10)
Row 2: sc across. Ch 1, turn. (10)
Row 3: sc, [bo, sc] x 4, sc. (10)
Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing.
Cheeks (Make 4 in Color B)
Rnd 1: 6 sc in mr. Sl st to first sc to join. (6)
Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing.
🧵 The Final Flourish: Finishing & Embellishment
This is where our characters come to life. Arrange the pieces on each caddy before sewing to ensure perfect placement.
- Eyes: Insert the 8mm safety eyes into the front of the caddy base, approximately between rounds 3 and 4 of the wall. Place them about 4-5 stitches apart.
- Nose: Sew the nose securely in the center, just below the line of the eyes. This is the crucial anchor for the eyeglasses.
- Ears: Attach one ear to each side of the caddy, along the top edge of the wall.
- Cheeks & Smile: Sew the rosy cheeks on either side of the nose. Using black embroidery floss, stitch a simple, curved smile below the nose.
- Grandma's Hair: For the grandmother caddy, sew the white bobble-stitch piece to the top front of the base, creating her signature hairdo.
A virtuoso's secret: A tiny dab of fabric glue on the back of the cheeks before sewing can hold them perfectly in place while you stitch.
💌 A Legacy in Your Hands: A Final Word from the Atelier
You have done it. You have taken simple strands of yarn and transformed them not just into a functional object, but into a story, a character, a smile waiting to happen. Whether this masterpiece graces your own space or becomes a cherished gift for another, know that you have woven a true legacy piece.
Treasure the work of your hands. It is a testament to your patience, your skill, and your heart. Until our next creation, may your hooks be swift and your yarn be plentiful.
Architected & Verified by
Patricia Poltera
The Crochet Virtuoso